This is an archived event from Culture Days 2025.
Images
Niagara Regional Native Centre Dewa’ë:ö’ Charity Tournament
In-person
Physical activity & movement History & heritage Indigenous Intercultural Nature & outdoors Truth and ReconciliationDate and time
Location
Butler's Barracks National Historic Site
440 King Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Access
Free.
Offered in English.
About
Ëshënötganye' hëöweh tënötganye:ak onëhjih
“They'll play again where they used to play a long time ago.”
Join us for a powerful day of tradition, sport, and community as we bring the game of Dewa’ë:ö’ (lacrosse) back to the historic grounds of Butler’s Barracks — the site of the last recorded traditional game played here 165 years ago.
The day begins with a Traditional Game played across a full 500-metre field, with an estimated 300+ players on the field at once. From there, the Dewa’ë:ö’ Charity Tournament will continue with wooden stick lacrosse played across six fields and three divisions. Games will run throughout the day and conclude with a community feast in the evening.
🎪 There will be vendors, food, and more to enjoy throughout the day — it's a full community celebration!
This is more than a tournament — it’s a homecoming, an act of reclamation, and a celebration of culture.
Links
- Dewa’ë:ö’ Charity Tournament Event Page facebook.com
Organizer
Niagara Regional Native Centre
The Niagara Regional Native Centre has been a cornerstone of the Indigenous community in Niagara, since 1972, fostering cultural awareness, leadership, and well-being. From its humble beginnings in a small YMCA office, the Centre has grown into a thriving hub in Niagara-on-the-Lake, offering essential programs in healing, wellness, youth support, and more. Committed to strengthening Indigenous identity and self-sufficiency, the NRNC continues to evolve, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.